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Show East Valley VoL229.No.174 Salt L&ie City, Utah Wednesday Morning September 12, 1984 Green Thumb Inc. Agency Helps Elderly With Employment By Keri Schreiner Tribune Staff Writer In January, Louise Callahan will finish school and pound the pavement e in search of a job with all the confidence of a young college graduate. Louise is 62 years old. Like many older Americans, the death of her spouse left Ms. Callahan alone and struggling to survive with a Social Security check as her only means of sustenance. For her, and thousands of others. Green Thumb ' Inc., offered an alternative. orGreen Thumb Inc., is a national ganization which was established in 1965 to provide part-tim- e public service employment at minimum wage for people older than 55. Its goal is to incorporate the growing number of senior citizens back into the work force by providing them with subsidized job experience. Assistant Librarian For Ms. Callahan, Green Thumb job as an assisprovided a part-tim- e tant librarian, as well as a referral to the Opportunities Industrialization Center for additional training in office skills. There is no reason for people to sit back, fold their arms and say theyre too old to work, she said. The training provided by Green Thumb through public agencies and it organizations is inprivate tended as a stepping stone to private employment. The aim of Green Thumb is to get those enrolled back in the work force with a marketable skill, said area supervisor Doug Meacham, not to feed off a public trough, but to get them back into the economy. As area supervisor, Mr. Meacham assesses the ability and interests of the enrollees and finds a position suitable to them. Some training positions for the Green Thumbers may be assisting teachers in schools, blazing nature trails in state parks, helping the disabled through home health care, working in libraries or directing travelers in tourist information booths throughout the state. full-tim- increase in the number of elderly in the United States. During the period of 1971 to 1980 the population older than 65 rose 31.4 from 20 million to 26.3 Eercent, that is predicted to continue. Were headed for a crisis, the Social Security program will have four to five people on it for every one worker employed, said Mr. Meacham. The life expectancy is growing. At the age of 60, most people will have 25 years to live on Social Security. Our goal is to transition these people into a job they can physically handle as a second career so they have a way of supporting themselves. Mr. Meacham sees a solution In changing attitudes about retirement. Instead of thinking of retirement at age 60 or 65, people should consider the possibility of continuing their work, or if their work is too physically demanding, of seeking an alternative or a second career in a less demanding area. Under Title V Green Thumb Inc., which operates under Title V of the Older Americans Act, has more than 22,000 enrollees nationwide, with 201 currently enrolled in Utah. Though the people involved with the Green Thumb program are trained, have decades of life and work experience, and are more than willing to put their time and energy into work, the Green Thumb motto of "Ability is Ageless is not widely held in the private sector. You may be a good, qualified worker, said area leader Frank Karman, but if youre over 40 youre finished. Regional Director Yvonne Whea-do- n said she believes there is a definite stigma surrounding the hiring of older people in the American society. We offer people whove been through the mill, they have established work habits and realize they are depended on to do their job, said Ms. Wheadon. But placement is still difficult because of a reluctance to hire older people. Not Prone to Accidents Elderly Increasing There is a myth that elderly The efforts to tap the reservoir of people 'are more accident prone, which according to statistics is talents and experience in the senior citizen community is critical with the false, she said. low-inco- tablished to provide part-tim- e public service employment low income minimum for at people over 55 years old. wage Louise Callahan, a widow, has been helped by Green Thumb, Inc., a national organization which was es- - Alta View Hospital Offers Wide Range of Classes Special to The Tribune More than 35 classes are being taught at the next session of the Alta View Hospital Education Department. The small and informal classes are taught by experts in their field and range from prenatal education to medical terminology. The courses have been developed from needs expressed on community questionnaires, evaluations from previous courses and telephone requests. SANDY To for all general classes contact the Alta View Education Department. To for prenatal courses contact the Labor and Delivery Department. Classes being offered are: Medical Terminology, Sept. 13 through Nov. 15 (Thursdays), 5 to 7 p.m.; Talking to Your Child About Sex, Sept. 11 through Oct. 2 (Tuesdays), 7 to 9 D.m.: Parenting, Oct. 9 through Nov. 27 (Tuesdays), 7 to 9 p.m.; pre-regist- er pre-regist- er Adult Behavior Modification for Weight Control, Sept. 12 through Nov. 14 (Wednesdays), 5 to 6 p.m.; Diabetic Clinic, Sept. 7 (Thursdays), 7 to 8:30 p.m.; Capsule Wardrobe with Color Accent, Oct. 11 through Nov. 1 (Thursdays), 7 to 9 p.m.; Dealing with Aging, Nov. (Wednesdays), 7 to 9 p.m.; Assertive Training, Oct. 25 through Nov. 15 (Thursdays), 6:30 to 7-- 9:30 p.m.; Diabetes Association Plans Information Fair The Utah affiliate of the American Diabetes Association will conduct its sixth annual Diabetes Information Fair Sept. 22 at Cottonwood High School, 5715 S. 1300 East. Registration for the fair, Help for Today: Hope for Tomorrow, begins at 8:30 a.m. Admission is free for mem- bers, for 2 per person or $3 per family Highlighting the program will be a keynote address, Current Status of Diabetes Research, by Marvin L. Rallison, M.D., a pediatrief endocrinologist and professor of pediatrics. First day), 8 non-prof- Aid Course, Sept. 15 (Satura.m. to 4:30 p.m., offered monthly, CPR, Sept. 22 (Saturday), 8 a.m. to noon, offered monthly; Car Safety Seat Program, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 to 11 a.m., offered weekly; "Marriage Enrichment Weekend at Snowbird, two different sessions. Contact the hospital for information. Stress Management, Sept. 13 through Oct. 25, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Other classes include How to Stay Out of a Nursing Home, Time ManBusiness Success Apparagement, el for Men, A Drug Awareness, New You, and courses in karate, weight control, baby sitting, break dancing, maturation, early and late pregnancy, and birthing techniques. "Our business is helping you create a tranquil and casual atmosphere with fine rattan furniture." noo. re' it .A got.s ft 20 and PRICES EFFECTIVE Wed. 10-- 8 Thurs. 10-- 8 Fri. 10-- 8 fvd &U, $ OFF ACCESSORIES ALL FURNITURE IN STOCK . silk plants, ... orran.s and pillows Sat. 10-- 6 VISA' 2076 E. 3900 South 3900 Engh Village Square! 277-46- 1 1 $2165 $3546.00 EOTIES ST0C1C Ladies' Sweaters Regular 26.00 Yesterday 25 c Ut7 9 All Regular ESedvcod and Sale Merchandise Men's Coats Regular 1 15.00 Yesterday BSrOO -- 25S Save Now on Clothing for Men, Women & Juniors 15 i oh 63 Open Mon. Sat. -- 10-- 6 and Friday 10-- 9 846 East Ft. 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